The streaming platform will also be the exclusive home of WWE content internationally, including its live shows and premium events such as Wrestlemania, as well as documentaries and original series.
In a major streaming deal, WWE Monday Night Raw will leave USA Network for Netflix starting in January 2025, and the streaming giant will also become the home of WWE content outside the US.
The deal, which one source puts in place over 10 years and is valued at around $5 billion, marks a significant expansion into live events for Netflix, which will now broadcast Raw live every Monday night in the US. USA, Canada, the United Kingdom and Latin America, for 52 weeks. per year, and other territories will be added over time.
Netflix will also be the exclusive home of WWE content internationally, including its live shows and premium events such as Wrestlemaniaas well as documentaries and original series.
Until now, Netflix has only done occasional live events, such as a comedy special from Chris Rock or the unfortunate reunion special Love Is Blind.
Netflix and sporting events
That said, Netflix has also been exploring sports-related content (a category WWE fits into, given its eponymous “sports entertainment” genre). Last year, Netflix made pilots of Formula 1 will team up with PGA golf stars in the Netflix Cup golf tournament, and next year tennis stars Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz They will face each other in what is called the Netflix Slam.
However, WWE Raw is a big step towards live sports, with recurring rights fees similar to other major leagues. Netflix, like Manzana, has sought global rights for sports in discussions with its partners. While WWE isn’t entirely exclusive, it will give the streaming giant near-global scale for WWE content and full global rights to Raw over time.
As Netflix looks to grow its advertising business, Raw will also provide an established platform for advertisers to secure sponsorships.
Under the terms of the Netflix deal, the streaming giant will have the option to extend the deal for another 10 years after the current deal ends. Netflix will also have the option to exit the agreement after 5 years.
Source: Ambito
I am an author and journalist who has worked in the entertainment industry for over a decade. I currently work as a news editor at a major news website, and my focus is on covering the latest trends in entertainment. I also write occasional pieces for other outlets, and have authored two books about the entertainment industry.
